A longtime financial professional, David Scholl of Grand Rapids, MI, served as a financial adviser for Lake Michigan Credit Union and is currently president of Solutions Investment Group. When he is not busy with professional responsibilities, David Scholl enjoys traveling outside Grand Rapids, MI, to such locations as Rome.
Rome is a hugely popular city that features many world-renowned attractions. However the city is also home to several lesser-known sights. Below are just some of Rome’s hidden gems worth seeing:
- Villa Medici: Located near the Spanish Steps, Villa Medici was bought by Ferdinando dei Medici in 1576 and later by Napoleon in 1801. The villa serves as the home of the French Academy, which includes French-speaking musicians and artists, and provides awe-inspiring views of the entire city.
- Ostia Antica: A well-preserved port city, Ostia Antica is an ancient city that served as a main hub for maritime trade for 600 years. It thrived during the time of the Roman Empire, but eventually declined in the 4th century AD. Despite this, the city’s theatre, forum, and even communal toilet block were all preserved.
- Porta Alchemica: Built during the 1600s by Massimiliano Palombara, a Roman marquis and member of the Alchemists of Palazzo Riario, the Porta Alchemica is a magic or alchemist door located in the park in Piazza Vittorio. There is a mysterious symbol above the doorway and the ruin is surrounded by occult beliefs.
